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nwordsmith's review
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
4.0
For the majority of the book, it seems like the theme was: the true horror is the mental illnesses we found along the way!
However, somewhat predictably, Faraday proved to be an unreliable narrator. The constant doubt and complete unwillingness to even entertain the possibility of a supernatural cause grew stale. The gaslighting and over involvement in matters that didn’t concern him were quite telling but he really revealed his hand when he went to the family solicitor and attempted to imply insanity on the part of Caroline when she broke off the engagement.
My conclusion, if any can be drawn, is that the so called little stranger or manifestation was in fact, his own fragile masculinity, feeling of inferiority in the face of Caroline and sexual frustration. He felt entitled to an estate and life and woman who ultimately spurned him. It was made all the more ridiculous since he earlier believed Caroline to be the possible cause of the supernatural force. Classic man blaming the woman and gaslighting her all the while.
However, somewhat predictably, Faraday proved to be an unreliable narrator. The constant doubt and complete unwillingness to even entertain the possibility of a supernatural cause grew stale. The gaslighting and over involvement in matters that didn’t concern him were quite telling but he really revealed his hand when he went to the family solicitor and attempted to imply insanity on the part of Caroline when she broke off the engagement.
My conclusion, if any can be drawn, is that the so called little stranger or manifestation was in fact, his own fragile masculinity, feeling of inferiority in the face of Caroline and sexual frustration. He felt entitled to an estate and life and woman who ultimately spurned him. It was made all the more ridiculous since he earlier believed Caroline to be the possible cause of the supernatural force. Classic man blaming the woman and gaslighting her all the while.
jbridges99's review against another edition
3.0
Took me a while to get into the story and when I did, it was just okay. I disliked the narrator and was frustrated by his attitudes and behavior, but perhaps that was the point. Overall it was a good read.
tabatha_shipley's review
4.0
Genre
Mystery/Thriller
Synopsis
A home in postwar England, Hundreds Hall, is visited by Doctor Faraday. That is the beginning of strange happenings at the once majestic hall. You'll be wrapped up in the tale, as the house fades around the Ayres family. What is happening to them all? Could it be something supernatural or is there a more logical explanation?
Why Should You Read It?
This one is haunting and wonderful. A cross between Downton Abbey and The Shining. Highly recommended (and I'd love to hear your thoughts on the ending if you've read it).
What Can You Learn From the Author's Writing?
How to wind up slowly in a thriller so that the reader doesn't even notice they are also become worried and nervous.
Overall Rating
4 smiles and a wink.
http://tabreviewd.blogspot.com/2017/06/the-little-stranger-by-sarah-waters.html
Mystery/Thriller
Synopsis
A home in postwar England, Hundreds Hall, is visited by Doctor Faraday. That is the beginning of strange happenings at the once majestic hall. You'll be wrapped up in the tale, as the house fades around the Ayres family. What is happening to them all? Could it be something supernatural or is there a more logical explanation?
Why Should You Read It?
This one is haunting and wonderful. A cross between Downton Abbey and The Shining. Highly recommended (and I'd love to hear your thoughts on the ending if you've read it).
What Can You Learn From the Author's Writing?
How to wind up slowly in a thriller so that the reader doesn't even notice they are also become worried and nervous.
Overall Rating
4 smiles and a wink.
http://tabreviewd.blogspot.com/2017/06/the-little-stranger-by-sarah-waters.html
marlisphillips's review against another edition
2.0
I guess i'm just not into this genre anymore. The book dragged for me. I read several books in between because I just couldn't get into it. I'm glad it's done.
offbrandmusclemilk's review
5.0
4.5 stars, mostly because I occasionally wanted to put it down. I kept getting this feeling that I've read this before, but as far as I know I haven't.
lesliekyla's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
ekmook's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
laurnd11's review
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
chelseatm's review against another edition
3.0
At times, certain parts of the book dragged and meandered too long on certain areas but overall, I thought it was a good book. The slow parts built up the suspenseful parts and the suspenseful parts justified the slow parts. I also found the end very well satisfying even if I didn't find the protagonist very engaging or likeable. I will recommend this book.
cr4nkyp4nts's review against another edition
4.0
After reading mixed reviews, I wasn't sure what to expect and almost quit listening to the audio book. I'm glad I didn't.
I rounded up from 3.5 because Sarah Waters is a great story teller. I felt it was a bit longer than it needed to be but, contrary to many others, I enjoyed the end. Quite a bit.
I rounded up from 3.5 because Sarah Waters is a great story teller. I felt it was a bit longer than it needed to be but, contrary to many others, I enjoyed the end. Quite a bit.